Works wagon returns to Manx Electric Railway

An unusual item of rolling stock has made a welcome return to prominence on the Isle of Man, following a number of years in limbo. The 1897-built Wagon 10 has recently been moved by road back to the Manx Electric Railway sheds at Derby Castle; a move which should allow it to make some special appearances on the line in connection with some of this year’s enthusiast events.

The wagon has been on display at Laxey since 2011, following completion of a full restoration to its original condition by volunteer members of the Laxey & Lonan Heritage Trust. This involved reversing a previous major rebuild which converted the former open wagon into a tower wagon for the latter part of its lengthy working career on the railway. After being restored at a modest cost, the wagon was transported back to its former home at Derby Castle on 12th March 2014, as the space it had previously occupied needed to be cleared in connection with the current remodelling of the Laxey station area. There, it is intended to carry out a thorough assessment of its condition, and if the findings are positive, it is intended that 10 will have a starring role at the upcoming events being held on the MER this summer. This will ensure that the time and money invested in this frequently overlooked works vehicle will be put to good use, and provide some extra novelty value for the July festivities. It is also hoped to use this as an opportunity to raise further funds for the Laxey & Lonan Heritage Trust which can be used to revive another unusual works wagon – expected to be one of the surviving covered works wagons, 3 or 16. Hopefully this will be a success and allow even more of the island’s transport heritage to be brought back to life, for the benefit of a whole new generation.

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1 Response to Works wagon returns to Manx Electric Railway

  1. Paul says:

    Being pedantic, wagon 10 and vans 3 & 16 are not ‘Works’ vehicles. While the open wagons were probably used for permanent way maintenance duties in latter days, they were primarily revenue-earning freight vehicles. The covered vans were famously used for Mail traffic and as passenger luggage vans.

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